Liverpool City Region-Bus Franchising

[Statto]

I came across this interesting document for Wirral cross boundary fare arrangements post 25th October.

https://merseytravel.adidocdn.dev/Content/Bus/Wirral%20Cross%20Boundary/Wirral-Cross-Boundary-Service-List-07-10-26.pdf

Interesting that Merseytravel tickets are available all the way to Broughton but not on two school services, even within the LCR area (I wonder whether any school services carry "normal" people?)

As has been stated already, Merseytravel tickets are also shown as valid extended from the LCR boundary to Neston/Ness Gardens (owned by Liverpool University as it happens) but there are no boundary extensions on the two Chester services.

The boundary extension to Chester not being included on Merseytravel tickets is because both routes are not operated by Metro.

 

[childwallblues]

The boundary extension to Chester not being included on Merseytravel tickets is because both routes are not operated by Metro.

More money for Stagecoach?

 

[Djgr]

More money for Stagecoach?

Well the West Kirby one is operated by Als.

 

[Northerngirl]

I came across this interesting document for Wirral cross boundary fare arrangements post 25th October.

https://merseytravel.adidocdn.dev/Content/Bus/Wirral%20Cross%20Boundary/Wirral-Cross-Boundary-Service-List-07-10-26.pdf

Interesting that Merseytravel tickets are available all the way to Broughton but not on two school services, even within the LCR area (I wonder whether any school services carry "normal" people?)

As has been stated already, Merseytravel tickets are also shown as valid extended from the LCR boundary to Neston/Ness Gardens (owned by Liverpool University as it happens) but there are no boundary extensions on the two Chester services.

I always assumed the school runs were kids only, even though they fill some useful gaps

 

[polskism]

I always assumed the school runs were kids only, even though they fill some useful gaps

Unless the service has been contracted directly by a school to a bus operator, all Merseytravel-funded school bus services are able to be used by the public.

 

[Edvid]

When contactless Tap & Go ticketing is (re)introduced to the LCR bus network in Autumn 2027 it may incorporate journeys by ferry and rail (at least the existing Merseyrail scheme) at the same time. According to Find a Tender Vix have been contracted to implement what'll be a multi-modal scheme.

Award

LCRCA Multi-Modal Account Based Ticketing​

• Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

UK6: Contract award notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types
Notice identifier: 2026/S 000-084393
Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-06f375
Published 7 September 2026, 1:08pm

LCRCA are ready to procure a solution which can accept and process cEMV and ITSO transactions from the LCRCA estate across all modes and can construct single and multimodal journeys, in addition to capping fares in line with LCRCA requirements.

The solution is to enable the delivery of "tap and go" payment systems for both cEMV media and ITSO card holders on bus, ferry and rail by September 2027.

LCRCA are looking for a supplier to integrate with the existing LCRCA ticketing ecosystem and to work alongside the combined authority to deliver its ambitious transport plans; this strategy will upgrade and streamline the tap and go experience for customers across the region.